Western Mass Equine Therapy

01/30/2026

Winter is western mass is kicking my ass. Sometimes I want to break into tears and question why I moved the horses here. There is definitely a need for a tractor. Manifesting. 🌀

01/25/2026

I was just interviewed by Bold Journey…

“Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

My work is now a combination of all my life long loves. I always loved horses and learned to ride in my teens. In college, I worked in the Umass Amherst horse stable, then worked in my riding instructors dressage facility after I graduated and until I became pregnant. I was grateful to be able to purchase horses when I moved to remote south central Colorado in 2016. I have always had an interest in animals and nature. I received my undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Studies and I was certified to teach Biology. After a full career in the environmental field, I recognized the need for humans to heal in order to care for the planet, so I began working in the holistic mental health field as a yoga therapist. That part of my career took off while in my prime, running my own retreat centers, facilitating workshops and trainings internationally, and finally founding a nonprofit for holistic trauma support for new immigrants. That work led to me writing three books. Now, I continue my private practice as a yoga therapist, I’m on book tour and I’ve opened here in Conway, Massachusetts. We are a small farm in Western Mass, just a few hours from New York City, Boston, and even closer to major cities in Connecticut.”

Please read the full article at https://boldjourney.com/story-lesson-highlights-with-gina-m-barrett-of-western-mass-highlight/

01/01/2026

The horse care doesn’t end in winter.

It’s been all about preventing these girls from chewing their shed. They created a lot of damage, which we repaired on Saturday.

This hay ball helps with boredom. They get stimulation from it. I feed them the hay ball with their lunch time treats.

We’ve been having a few days of freezing rain on top of six inches of fresh powder & Molly caught a chill.

Yesterday, I made two trips to the farm supply store for blankets. I’ve never had to put blankets on them, so didn’t know how to measure.

They look a little girly in them b/c they barely fit & have a dressage style look, but they were good about putting them on.

Phew! Long day and I didn’t want any problems as the sunset. Noticing the days are getting longer. Hooray!

I think I can relax a bit for New Years.

12/28/2025

12/23/2025

Why horses?
Because in a world that constantly takes away our peace, they give silence back to our souls.

When thoughts become tangled and the heart grows tired of the noise, a horse stands quietly beside us and reminds us:
breathe… be here… let go.

Their presence calms more deeply than any words ever could.
In slow movements, in the warmth of a gentle neck, in steady breathing, tension fades and the soul finds balance again.

Horses don’t heal the world around us —
they heal what’s within.
And that is why we return to them, again and again. 🐎🤍

12/23/2025

A horse’s eye never asks who you were yesterday.

It meets you as you are — right now.

Tired.
Hopeful.
Carrying more than you show.

There is no judgment there.
Only recognition.

And for a brief moment, the world feels lighter —
not because problems disappear,
but because you are no longer carrying them alone. 🐎🤍

12/22/2025

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season from Western Mass Equine Therapy and Eastern and Somatic Therapies.

Be well. See you in 2026!

12/07/2025

Gift certificates available for equine therapy at www.ginambarrett.com/contact

12/06/2025

Did a little photo shoot with the ponies today. They go along with it, but ears back a bit b/c it’s not something we usually do.

Took Miss Molly for a safe ride in the neighborhood. I put bells on the saddle that I found at our town free shed. She was cool with the sound. Took her a little getting used to.

Roads are still slick around here, so we trotted on the wheel lines where it was sandy and felt safe. We also walked on the road. It was quiet except for fed ex and UPS trucks.

The girls need a lot of attention b/c their space is smaller. I switch them from paddock to paddock for variety.

Today’s ride was a lot of fun and I was warm enough. I’ll continue as long as it’s above freezing. Jiggle bells and horse hooves in the neighborhood. My donation to the Hart Rd. neighborhood holiday spirit. ❄️🎄✌🏽

Gift certificates available for equine therapy at www.ginambarrett.com/contact

11/30/2025

The girls first New England snow fall. As draft ponies, they are in their element. If anything, it just means less exercise because it’s too cold for me.

-informed

11/30/2025

Molly and I are slowly making our way to a state park trail system. We have to go 2 miles on mostly dirt roads to get there. She is feeling the hills, so I let her stop when she wants and walk. She likes exploring and getting off the land.

May you be enjoying a relaxing holiday weekend.

Don’t forget to enroll in my upcoming virtual silent retreat.

The early enrollment discount is available til Dec. 1st. Link in bio to enroll.